"Styrofoam" is a brand name product of polystyrene, made by the Dow Chemical Company. Polystyrene is a synthetic, thermoplastic polymer. The real "Styrofoam" has a blue color and is primarily used for construction. Several polystyrene products are referred to as "Styrofoam," but are just polystyrene products, and are commonly white. An example of these polystyrene products would be the disposable foam cups in the school cafeteria. Polystyrene is also commonly used as protective packaging material (packing peanuts).
Properties
Pure polystyrene has no color. However, as stated above, polystyrene can commonly be found in other colors (such as blue or white). It can be either a hard plastic, or a softer foam. Polystyrene is highly resistant to many alkalis and acids, so it will not rot, mildew, or support bacterial growth.
Bonding
It bonds by addition, therefore a large polystyrene molecule is several styrene molecules bonded together. An example of the polystyrene molecule configuration can be seen below. Note that although the carbon chain is only two carbon atoms long in this example, it varies in length.
Cross Linking
Polystyrene does cross-link to form polystyrene resin, which are used in many different compounds.
Styrofoam -- Morgan Lang and Daniel Miller
Introduction
"Styrofoam" is a brand name product of polystyrene, made by the Dow Chemical Company. Polystyrene is a synthetic, thermoplastic polymer. The real "Styrofoam" has a blue color and is primarily used for construction. Several polystyrene products are referred to as "Styrofoam," but are just polystyrene products, and are commonly white. An example of these polystyrene products would be the disposable foam cups in the school cafeteria. Polystyrene is also commonly used as protective packaging material (packing peanuts).
Properties
Pure polystyrene has no color. However, as stated above, polystyrene can commonly be found in other colors (such as blue or white). It can be either a hard plastic, or a softer foam. Polystyrene is highly resistant to many alkalis and acids, so it will not rot, mildew, or support bacterial growth.
Bonding
It bonds by addition, therefore a large polystyrene molecule is several styrene molecules bonded together. An example of the polystyrene molecule configuration can be seen below. Note that although the carbon chain is only two carbon atoms long in this example, it varies in length.
Cross Linking
Polystyrene does cross-link to form polystyrene resin, which are used in many different compounds.